Rahul Kharbanda Interview
Q. For those discovering your work for the first time, how would you describe your journey into the world of magic and mentalism?
My journey into the world of magic was quite natural because I grew up watching my father perform magic. Although he was a banker by profession, magic was his passion, and he pursued it wholeheartedly alongside his career. Watching him amaze people sparked my curiosity at a very young age.
I use to set up his performance table, assisting in lights & sound, becoming that assistant who lies on 3 swords, getting in a bag on stage & appearing from audience, I became thoroughly familiar with the workings & secrets of almost all his pops & acts, including sleight of hands techniques and signature moves. What began as admiration soon turned into a passion, and I started learning the art under his guidance, he arranged a special session for me with P.C Sorcar (Jr.) who is a dear friend of him.
I evaluated that in order to make a name in this very challenging field, I need to develop a unique style for myself, or may be an exclusive act that was never seen before in the world of magic. I studied all the available techniques, attended magic conventions across India & a few in France, understood the available technology here, fusioned it with my ideas and tried elevating the Magic from traditional mindset to the modern & elite Over the years, I developed my own style by blending traditional magic with mentalism and modern technology, eventually creating performances that are specially designed for today's corporate world.
Q. What first sparked your fascination with illusions, and when did you realize you wanted to make it your profession?
Although I grew up watching magic very closely through my father, who performed across India while balancing a successful banking career, I never imagined that I would make it my profession. I travelled with him, witnessed packed audiences, and saw the appreciation he received, but at that time I wasn't convinced that magic was the career path I wanted to pursue. Back then, the audience's perception of magic was largely confined to the traditional "Maharaja-style" stage performance.
Experimenting with new concepts was considered risky because there was little demand for innovation. The turning point came around 1999–2000, when India's rapidly expanding corporate sector created an entirely new market for entertainment. Companies were looking for modern performers who could do something unique something that had never been seen before. I saw this as an opportunity rather than a challenge. Instead of presenting magic as just entertainment, I began pitching ideas on how illusion could be integrated into product launches, brand activations, creative presentations, conferences, and marketing campaigns. One company gave me that first opportunity, and the response was phenomenal. That success opened the doors to a new chapter in my career.
Over the next decade, I had the privilege of performing for many of India's leading brands and, in my own way, contributing to changing the perception of magic from a traditional stage act to a powerful communication and marketing tool. As technology became an integral part of everyday life, I recognized another opportunity.
People were fascinated by smartphones, tablets, and digital screens, so I fused technology with illusion. I developed signature performances using iPads, tablets, and LED screens, allowing digital objects to seemingly come to life and interact with the real world. Because the audience was already familiar with these devices, the magic felt even more impossible and instantly relatable. To make my performances even more interactive and memorable, I later incorporated mentalism into my shows. Combining illusion, technology, and psychology has allowed me to create experiences that not only amaze audiences but also help brands communicate their message in a truly unforgettable way.
Q. As a mentalist, where do you draw the line between psychology, observation, and pure entertainment?
For me, mentalism is first and foremost entertainment. Psychology, observation, and entertainment are like the three sides of a triangle. A great mentalism performance is created by balancing all three. That balance can only be mastered through years of experience understanding audiences, reading body language, sensing their willingness to participate, and knowing how to adapt your performance in the moment.
At the same time, it's important to know where to draw the line. I never claim to possess supernatural powers or genuinely read minds. My objective is to create wonder, curiosity, and unforgettable moments not to deceive people into believing I have special abilities. Observation extends beyond reading individuals it includes reading the entire room. The energy of a corporate audience is different from that of a family gathering or a theatre audience. A good mentalist constantly adapts, making every performance feel personal rather than scripted. I also believe a mentalist has a responsibility towards the audience. The choice of words matters.
Respecting your volunteers matters. While humor is an important part of my performances, I make it a point never to go below the belt or make a participant the subject of ridicule. Every volunteer should leave the stage feeling appreciated, respected, and happy that they became part of the experience. If people walk away thinking, "I have no idea how that happened, but I loved every second of it," then I've achieved exactly what I set out to do.
Q. Winning a Guinness World Record is an extraordinary achievement. What did that milestone teach you about perseverance and preparation?
Winning a Guinness World Record was one of the most defining milestones of my career. I had the privilege of achieving it along with our team at the Indian Brotherhood of Magicians, a registered society dedicated to preserving and promoting the ancient Indian art of magic, where I serve as the Secretary. Together, we surpassed the previous world record held by a team of Italian magicians and earned a place in the Guinness World Records, headquartered in the United Kingdom. While the achievement itself was unforgettable, the journey leading up to it was even more valuable.
Guinness World Records follows very strict protocols, and every detail had to be planned meticulously. We spent considerable time understanding the official guidelines, documenting our approach, and ensuring that every requirement would be fulfilled exactly as specified. Since it was a one-time attempt during a live event, there was absolutely no room for error. Every second, every participant, and every procedure had to be executed with precision. Beyond the performance itself, organizing an event of that scale required extensive coordination, financial planning, teamwork, and logistical management. It taught me that extraordinary achievements are never the result of talent alone they are built on careful preparation, discipline, and the collective efforts of a committed team.
Q. Many people think magic is about tricks. What do you believe great magic is really about?
There is a famous saying that “Those who don’t believe in Magic, will never find it”, no matter what people say, the truth is A good magic act will amaze everyone, even if they know the secret. Because Magic is not about the secret, or the knowledge on how it is done, it’s purely visual and when it is well performed, with a nice style, it will always be cherished by audience.
Though there are instances when I am challenged by audiences, especially youth & teenagers, who are over exposed to social media, they may have seen a video that has revealed the secret behind that particular act, but like I said, it is about how the performer handles the audience & such situation. 3 good performers can present same act in 3 different ways, & all 3 of them will collect the applauses from audiences.
For me, magic is not about deceiving people; it is about entertaining them. It is about creating moments where families laugh together, children look at the world with wide-eyed amazement, and adults reconnect with the sense of wonder they may have forgotten. If, even for a few minutes, I can make someone smile, inspire them, or leave them with a memory they cherish long after the performance ends, then I have achieved my purpose as a performer.
Ultimately, great magic is not found in the secret behind the trick. It lives in the emotions it creates, the stories it tells, the connections it builds, and the unforgettable memories it leaves with the audience. The greatest magicians are not those who hide the best secrets they are those who create the strongest sense of wonder. In a world where we often seek instant answers, magic allows us to enjoy the beauty of mystery. It encourages imagination and reminds us that wonder still has a place in our lives.
Q. What's the biggest misconception people have about illusionists and mentalists?
One of the biggest misconceptions about illusionists and mentalists is that buying a few props and learning a few secrets is enough to become a performer. In reality, props are merely tools. The real art lies in connecting with an audience, commanding the stage, handling unexpected situations, and presenting an experience that people will remember long after the show ends.
Another common misconception is that mentalists possess supernatural or psychic powers. Mentalism is a performing art that combines psychology, observation, suggestion, presentation, and years of practice to create the illusion of extraordinary abilities. Many people also believe that every performance is pre-arranged or uses planted audience members. In professional live shows, especially corporate events, the interactions are genuine. The challenge is to think on your feet, adapt to unpredictable situations, and engage real people in real time.
A misconception I've worked hard to change throughout my career is that magic is only meant for children. Today, illusion and mentalism have evolved into powerful tools for corporate communication, product launches, brand activations, conferences, and experiential marketing, creating memorable experiences that leave a lasting impact. Perhaps the biggest misunderstanding is that the secret is the performance. In truth, knowing a method is only a small part of the journey. A great performance is built through years of live shows, learning from failures, refining every detail, and developing the confidence and experience to captivate any audience. That's what truly transforms a trick into an unforgettable experience.
Q. In an age where information is just a click away, how do you continue to surprise audiences?
Like I said, a visual act will beat the knowledge and opinion every single time. As Morpheus said in Matrix Movie ( I just love this line) “There is a difference between knowing the path and walking the path” Many people assume that once the secret behind a trick is revealed, the magic disappears. I don't agree with that.
A well-performed magic act can still amaze an audience even when they know the method. This is because the secret is only a small part of the performance. The real magic lies in the presentation, the storytelling, the timing, the expressions, the body language, the music, and the connection the performer creates with the audience. Just as knowing the ingredients of a great meal doesn't reduce the enjoyment of eating it, knowing the mechanics of a magic trick doesn't diminish the experience when it is performed with creativity and passion.
In today's digital world, this challenge has become even greater. Social media platforms are filled with videos exposing the methods behind famous illusions. Young audiences, especially teenagers, are often exposed to these videos, and some attend shows believing they already know the secret. Occasionally, they challenge the performer or try to guess how an effect is accomplished.
However, I see these moments not as obstacles but as opportunities. They test a magician's confidence, adaptability, and ability to engage people. A skilled magician knows that audience management is just as important as sleight of hand. Through humor, interaction, and confidence, it is possible to transform skepticism into amazement and even earn the respect of the most challenging spectators.
Q. Can you share a performance that challenged you the most and changed you as an artist?
One performance that truly changed me as an artist was my very first corporate product launch. I was incredibly nervous because I had promised the client something, they had never seen before transforming a conventional product launch into a modern magical experience. To make things even more challenging, the event was running behind schedule, and I got barely 30 minutes to rehearse.
My hands were literally shaking before I walked on stage. But once the performance began, everything clicked. It became a defining moment in my career and proved something I had only ever read: pressure doesn't break you it brings out the best version of you. I still live by that belief today. There has been no looking back since then.
I've had the privilege of magically launching over 100 products and corporate presentations for leading brands across diverse industries. Some memorable launches and presentations include HP Printers, Pizza Hut, Dell Computers, Lenovo Phones & Tablets, Sugar lite Tetra Pack, Himalaya Shampoo Sachets, Newgen Software's logo transformation, CTC Global Factory inauguration, Samsung's first-ever smartphone launch, Cisco's virtual meeting device, C&S Electric's new range of switches, Mercedes-Benz new car launches, real estate project price reveals, ONGC's oil extraction presentation, Panasonic's video calling device, Saint-Gobain Gulf Awards presentation, Daikin Awards special act, Mankind Pet star dog food launch, ITEL mobile launch, and Wrigley's Juicy Fruit bubble gum launch along with many more. Every launch reminds me of that very first leap of faith, when I realized that the greatest performances are often born from the greatest pressure.
Q. What habits or skills outside of magic have helped you become a better performer?
Growing up on stage with my father meant I overcame stage fear at a very young age. Performing in front of an audience became second nature to me, and that early exposure gave me confidence that has stayed with me throughout my career. Outside of magic, dance has played a huge role in shaping me as a performer.
During my school years, I developed a strong passion for dance and later joined The Planets, a professional dance group from Delhi. I performed freestyle and jazz in shows across India and Asia. Dance taught me rhythm, timing, body language, stage presence, discipline, and how to connect with audience skills that seamlessly carried over into my magic performances. I also make yoga and cardio a regular part of my routine.
They help me stay physically fit, mentally focused, and calm under pressure. Many of my performances demand significant physical endurance not just during the show, but also, throughout the preparation before the performance and the long hours that follow. For me, magic isn't just about mastering illusions; it's about mastering yourself. Every experience whether on the dance floor, the yoga mat, or the stage has made me a stronger and more complete performer.
Q. what's your all-time favorite book, movie, or TV series, and has it influenced your creativity or storytelling in any way?
If I had to choose, I'd say Baahubali, KGF Chapter 2, and the Harry Potter books and films have had the greatest influence on my creativity. What fascinates me about Baahubali and KGF Chapter 2 is their larger-than-life storytelling and meticulous planning. Every scene is designed to be more powerful than the previous one, creating a continuous rise in excitement. As a viewer, you're constantly wondering, "How can they possibly top this?" and then they do.
That's exactly the feeling I aim to create in my performances. The Harry Potter universe influenced me in a different way. It showed me that imagination has no boundaries. It challenged every conventional rule and expanded the limits of what the human mind could conceive. Magic, by its very nature, is about making the impossible seem real but before that can happen, someone has to imagine the impossible in the first place. Harry Potter taught me that true creativity begins where logic ends. I
t inspired me to think beyond boundaries, question what's considered impossible, and explore magical ideas that most people would never even imagine. Together, these works have shaped my philosophy as a performer: dream without limits, obsess over every detail, and create experiences that feel truly larger than life.
Bio:
Illusionist Rahul Kharbanda has been into this magical journey for over 20 years. He is considered as the game changer in this Indian Magic terrain. First in India to introduce Digital Magic on Ipad/ Tablet and on LED Screen, refashioned the Indian Magic for the corporates, took Indian Magic to numerous International Magic festivals, introduced Brand centric customised illusion Acts for the first time in India, created special magic props for product marketing. He is the only Magician in India to successfully perform all forms of Global Magic - Grand illusion effects, Digital magic, Mentalism, Sleight of hands, Visual illusions, Product Launch Magic, VIP Appearances on Stage, Brand Centric customised Magic, Standup Comic illusions & Magic Teaching Workshops.
Comes from a Family of Magicians with a combined experience of over 3 decades, a Guinness Book of World Record holder, illusionist Rahu has recently entered into bollywood Movie Industry with Atrange Re movie starring Akshay Kumar, Sara Ali Khan & Dhanush, Directed by Anand L Rai, wherein Akshay Kumar played the role of a Magician Sajjad Ali & all his Magic acts, props & training has been executed by illusionist Rahul Kharbanda, including Akshay Kumar's performance in The Kapil Sharma's Show during the promotions of Atrangi Re
Movie Experience:
Rahul has recently entered into Bollywood Movie Industry with Atrangi Re movie starring Akshay Kumar, Sara Ali Khan & Dhanush, Directed by Anand L Rai, wherein Akshay Kumar played the role of a Magician Sajjad Ali & all his Magic acts, props & training has been executed by illusionist Rahul Kharbanda, including Akshay Kumar's performance in The Kapil Sharma's Show during the promotions of Atrangi Re.
Illusionist Rahul is first in India to introduce Digital Magic on iPad / Tablet / Mobile phone / TV and on LED Screen, refashioned the Indian Magic for the corporates, took Indian Magic to numerous International Magic festivals, introduced Brand centric customised illusion Acts for the first time in India, created special magic props for product marketing.
Rahul is the only Magician in India to successfully perform all forms of Global Magic - Grand illusion effects, Digital magic, Mentalism, Sleight of hands, Visual illusions, Product Launch Magic, VIP Appearances on Stage, Brand Centric customised Magic, Standup Comic illusions & Magic Teaching Workshops.
Interviewed By: Vanshika Gupta
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